Telehealth vs In-Clinic Appointments: Where Can You Still Get Bulk Billed?

Over the past few years, telehealth services have become a go-to option for many Australians. Whether you're working from home, living in a rural area, or just can't get a GP appointment nearby, seeing an online doctor is easier than ever.

But as bulk billing policies change across the country, one big question remains:
Can you still get bulk billed — and is it better through telehealth or in-clinic?

Let’s break down what’s really happening with bulk billing in Australia, and where you’re most likely to find a consult that won’t leave you out of pocket.

What is Bulk Billing?

Bulk billing is when your doctor bills Medicare directly for the cost of your appointment. You pay nothing — no gap, no hidden fees — as long as you’re eligible and the clinic offers it.

Bulk billing is available for:

• Standard GP appointments
• Telehealth consults (phone or video)
• Mental health plans
• Online prescriptions and instant scripts (if issued through a bulk billed consult)

But — and here’s the catch — not all doctors or clinics offer bulk billing anymore, especially with rising costs and Medicare rebates not keeping up.

Bulk Billing Through Telehealth: Still a Safe Bet?

Yes — in many cases, telehealth is where bulk billing is still going strong.
A number of online doctor platforms in Australia offer fully bulk billed appointments for eligible patients, particularly for:

• Simple consultations (cold, UTI, skin issues)
• Mental health care plans
• Prescription refills and repeat scripts
• Referrals and medical certificates

Services like Hola Health have continued to bulk bill patients with valid Medicare cards, helping people access care quickly and affordably — often without any gap fees.

✅ Pros of bulk billed telehealth:

• Convenience: No travel or wait times
• Discreet: Great for mental health or personal issues
• Accessible from anywhere in Australia
• Instant access to eScripts, referrals, or online medical certificates

❌ Cons:

• Not all conditions can be treated remotely
• Some providers charge a fee for extra services (e.g. after-hours, script-only requests)

In-Clinic Appointments: Are They Still Bulk Billed?

Yes — but availability is shrinking, especially in cities. Many local clinics have moved to mixed billing, which means they:

• Bulk bill children under 16
• Bulk bill pensioners or concession card holders
• Charge a gap fee ($20–$50+) for other patients

This means even a simple in-person GP appointment can now come with out-of-pocket costs, unless you:

• Have a valid concession card
• Are eligible for certain government-funded programs
• Are visiting a fully bulk billing clinic (less common now)

Where Can You Still Get Bulk Billed?

Here are your best options in 2025:

🔹 Telehealth services like Hola Health
100% bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders for general consults, mental health plans, online prescriptions, and more.

🔹 Community health centres
Often fully bulk bill, especially in rural/regional areas or for specific populations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, low-income patients).

🔹 Children under 16, pensioners, concession card holders
Still likely to be bulk billed in many in-person clinics, though not guaranteed.

🔹 Online doctor services with transparent billing policies
Look for providers that clearly state “no gap” or “bulk billed telehealth” on their website — avoid hidden charges.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Both telehealth and in-clinic appointments have their place — it really depends on your needs.

👉 Choose Telehealth if you want:

• Convenience, speed, and no travel
• A general consult, script, or referral
• To avoid gap fees (if bulk billing is offered)

👉 Choose In-Clinic if you need:

• A physical examination or hands-on treatment
• Vaccinations or wound care
• A doctor you’ve seen for complex or ongoing issues

But for most everyday health issues, bulk billed telehealth consults are still a reliable, affordable option — and often easier to access than ever before.

Final Thoughts

As the Australian healthcare landscape continues to shift, bulk billing is becoming harder to find — but not impossible. Many GPs are moving away from it, but telehealth services like Hola Health are keeping the option alive, especially for those with a Medicare card.

If you’re tired of paying gap fees or can’t get a local GP appointment, consider trying an online doctor. It’s fast, flexible, and for many Australians, still 100% bulk billed.